Image © Healy Racing
Name: Shane Kehoe
Age: 19
From: Oulart, Co. Wexford
How did you get involved with horses?
I’m not from a horsey background. When I was about 15 years old, I used to help my father who runs DK Plant Hire. He drove diggers and worked on putting in gallops and arenas and that.
I was with him one day he was working at Denis Murphy’s and I got a weekend job there, bedding down and doing the hay and yard work, mainly on weekends when I wasn’t in school. It all kicked off from there.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
I don’t remember the name but he was by Imperial Monarch. He carted me up the gallops and I fell out the side door on the way back down. I never took any lessons, I learned everything from Denis and the other lads in the yard.
Where do you work full-time?
I’ve worked full-time for Denis Murphy for the last couple of years.
How did the ride on Fralimonti Bilbery come about?
I saw Fralimonti Bilbery was entered on the Tuesday so I rang the boss up and asked if I could get the spin on him. Denis said I could ride him at the weekend. His mother Catherine actually owns the horse and she was happy enough to let me ride him. I ride him out at home too.
Were you expecting Fralimonti Bilbery to run well?
I knew going in to the race that we had a good chance, the ground suited him and by luck of the draw, I got up to win by a length and a half.
Did you get some kick out of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was some buzz. The horse jumped unbelievably, it was a great day. That was only my third ride. We had a small celebration after and went out for dinner and a few drinks.
Were your family there on the day?
Unfortunately my mother was away and only my little brother was there with me on the day, he was screaming and shouting away.
Do you know what the plan is for Fralimonti Bilbery now?
I’d say he will go back over banks now. He was fourth over banks the last day and he’s such a good jumper, the banks suit him.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
I only decided to take out my license last year. I was riding out and thought to myself that I might as well have the license and I’d maybe get a few spins for the craic.
When was your first ride?
My first ride was on a horse called Great Notions at Curraghmore last April. I got unseated six out and fractured two of my vertebrae. I was in a brace for six weeks then had intense physio for six weeks so was out for around three months. It hasn’t put me off racing at all.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
When I started out in Denis’s Jamie Codd was still riding and would be in schooling and riding work. He was a great rider and was good for advice and help.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
The yard is full of good lads. Jack Hendrick, Shane Cotter, Joey Dunne and Richie Deegan are all in the yard and they all help keep me right. I can ask their advice on anything. There’s no bad blood in any of them.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I used to play a bit of football, I don’t play in a team anymore, but enjoy a good kick about.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
It would be nice to get another one or two wins on the score sheet. It’s all about gaining experience and getting more rides.
Do you want to add anything else?
I’d just like to thank Denis and all the lads in the yard for their help and support, without them it wouldn’t be possible. Also a big thanks to Denis’ mother Catherine for giving me the ride on Fralimonti Bilbery.
As a bonus for talented new point-to-point riders who feature in p2p.ie series of NextGen articles, Dungar Quality Oats will sponsor a special draw where one of the riders will win a cash prize of €500. All NextGen featured jockeys who have ridden their first point-to-point winner will be automatically entered into this draw. The draw will be conducted and prize winner announced at the end of the point-to-point season.
